Binge-eating disorder

Binge-eating disorder is also referred to as bulimia nervosa. It is a severe eating disorder where an individual often consumes large amounts of food and tends to be unable to stop eating. Overeating is a symptom of binge-eating disorder. This disorder may manifest in an individual feeling the need to overeat after feeling stressed or depressed. An individual may also binge eat due to other psychological or emotional factors. This may be accompanied by the person feeling a loss of control or an overwhelming desire to eat during each episode. People with eating disorders are more likely to have depression and are at higher risk of developing substance use disorder (Hübel et al., 2021).

In many religions, there is a stigma attached to eating. Some people of faith feel guilty after eating due to religious beliefs around gluttony and excessive food consumption. The potential triggers or risk factors of bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder include social isolation, impulsive behaviors, personality or mood changes, depression, low self-esteem, and guilt. The biological, cognitive, and physical factors of bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder can be broken down into appetite changes (a change in desire or lack thereof), body function changes (weight gain or weight loss), brain function changes (anxiety or depression), hormones changes (lipid metabolism) and impacts on one’s sexual activities (Hübel et al., 2021).

The specific assessment for the bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder involves laboratory tests comprising thyroid profiles and serum chemistry, complete blood count with differential, and urine chemistry microscopy testing. The specific treatment for bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder involves therapy, and medication is used mainly to help combat the symptoms associated with it. When therapy sessions are combined with group classes, weight loss occurs faster and better than when therapy sessions take place alone.

Reference

Hübel, C., Abdulkadir, M., Herle, M., Loos, R. J., Breen, G., Bulik, C. M., & Micali, N. (2021). One size does not fit all. Genomics differentiates among anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge‐eating disorder. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 54(5), 785-793.